Scammers prey on online connections, tricking users of social media and online dating sites into letting down their guards.

With so much information about us online, a scammer can easily sound like someone who already knows you. Or in the case of online dating, they can sound like they want to get to know you better. Be sure to verify that a person really is who they say they are before you give them any contact information, and especially before you send any money.

Another common social media scam relies on your Facebook friends to promote fake apps and links. These appear to be a fun new game, a sensational video or clever new update to Facebook. Instead, they are just distractions to get you to click on something that downloads a virus onto your computer

Tips for Avoiding Fake Facebook Apps:

When using Facebook, never install a game or an application that you're not entirely sure is legitimate.

On Facebook and Twitter be wary of posts from friends that use overtly promotional language.

Never click on Facebook posts or install applications that claim they will tell you which of your friends viewed your profile. It's impossible to find out who is viewing your profile.

If you mistakenly install an application on Facebook, click the "Home" icon in the top right-hand corner of the site, and go to "Account Settings." On the right-hand column of the page click on the icon that says "Apps," and uninstall the suspect application.